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“My push mower’s engine is running, but my wheels are not turning”
It happens to the best of us.
So, what happens when the wheels on your self-propelled don’t turn or the mower won’t go anymore?
It's simple, here are 6 troubleshooting steps that you can use to get your lawn mower back on track!
Whether your push mower is a Honda, a Craftsman, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, or any of the best push mowers of 2024.
You will likely find the information you need to fix your self driving push mower in this article.
WARNING: Before performing any of the actions below, please make sure to disconnect the spark plug.
Step One: Inspect the v-belt.
The V-belt is crucial as it connects to the pulleys, driving the lawn mower's wheels. Begin by examining the belt for any signs of wear or damage. Look for fraying, cracks, or stretching. If you find the belt is damaged, it needs to be replaced. Here’s how to replace the v-belt:
- Disconnect the spark plug to ensure safety.
- Remove the mower blade to access the belt.
- Replace the worn or damaged belt with a new one.
Additionally, here is a helpful video on how to replace the v-belt.
After replacing the v-belt, ensure it is properly aligned and tensioned to prevent future issues.
Remember, a worn-out or broken belt means the wheels won't turn, necessitating timely replacement.
Step Two: Check the drive pulley.
The next step is to check the drive pulley. The drive pulley connects to the crankshaft and is turned by the v-belt. If that drive pulley is defective, the transmission will not be able to engage the wheel assembly and turn the wheels.
So how do you fix it?
It's easy, with a few tools in the garage, the drive pulley can be replaced if defective. Start by removing the lawn mower blade. From there it should be pretty easy to remove the belt if it needs to be replaced.
Step Three: Check the self-propel cable.
This cable runs from the handle of the lawn mower to the transmission. The location and high use of this cable make it susceptible to breaking. It can be checked by seeing if the control cable moves freely. If it doesn’t, some WD40 should be used to lubricate it a little.
But, if that doesn’t work, it may need to be replaced.
To Check the Self-drive Cable:
- Inspect the line for kinks
- Check both connections of the line
- Check for loose parts or cracking plastic
- Make sure that the cable moves freely
If you have ever folded your lawn mower handles down and your self-propel feature stopped working. There is a good chance you kinked the cable and need to replace it.
Step Four: Check the transmission.
The transmission is powered by the drive belt that connects to the crankshaft. When working properly, the drive belt powers the transmission, and the wheels turn.
To check the transmission, carefully watch the transmission when the engine is running. If the pulley is spinning, and the wheels aren’t turning, the transmission is bad.
Unfortunately, if this is broken, it may be time to buy a new mower because this part is generally unreplaceable.
Fortunately, the transmission will often get clogged up with grass. Often times, you can remove the grass from around the transmission gears to get the self drive mechanism working again.
Step Five: Check gear box and wheels.
In this step, we will inspect the mower's gearbox and wheels to ensure they are functioning correctly and engaging properly.
Lift the Mower: Ensure the mower is elevated off the ground. This allows for free inspection of the wheels and gearbox.
Inspect the Gearbox and Wheels: With the mower lifted, remove the wheels to verify that the toothed gear is properly engaging with the toothed wheel.
Identify Issues: Examine the assembly for any potential problems, such as:
- Displaced or Missing Components: Check for loose, missing, or damaged retaining clips and washers that secure the wheel and gearbox.
Worn or Damaged Parts: Inspect the gears and shifting keys for signs of wear, damage, or breakage, which can cause slippage and prevent proper engagement.
For a visual guide on inspecting the gearbox, refer to the video below.
“My self-propelled mower only works in 1st gear”
Step Six: Check tension on v-belt.
Yep another belt issue! The v-belt tension should be tight. If it’s not, it could be slipping and only turning the wheels in first gear, or not at all.
Having the belt too loose can also cause long term engine damage.
In order to tighten the v-belt, refer to this video below.
A Note on The Design of the Modern Lawn Mower
Lawnmowers and guns. These two items do not normally go hand in hand, but thanks to Edward Beard Budding, an English Engineer, they share a connection.
In 1827, Budding was working in the cotton mills and noticed blades sheering excess fibers from the surface of cloth and adapted the principle to the world’s first lawnmower.
Then in 1830, Budding designed a pistol more technically advanced than Sam Colt’s revolver of 1835, but it never saw full scale production.
Since Budding’s inventions, the lawnmower has been a ubiquitous marvel that keeps getting more efficient, easier to use, and cheaper to obtain. Mass production by companies like Murray and Honda have made mowers available to virtually every homeowner as well.
Although the lawn mower has gotten more complex throughout the history of the lawn mower. it has always improved.
TLDR:
If the wheels of your self-propelled mower are not turning, there are 6 troubleshooting steps you can follow:
- Inspect the V-belt: Check for wear or damage and replace if necessary.
- Check the drive pulley: Ensure it is not defective.
- Examine the self-propel cable: Lubricate or replace if damaged.
- Assess the transmission: Clear any grass clogs or consider replacing the mower if transmission is broken.
- Review gearbox and wheels: Ensure all parts are engaging properly and are not worn or damaged.
- Check V-belt tension: Tighten if it's too loose.
Regular maintenance, such as changing oil and sharpening blades, can prolong your mower's life.
The Bottom Line: Repairing your Own Self-Driving Push Mower
Most homeowners prefer the chore of mowing their lawn just for the exercise and to save money; any disruption of this can be a significant inconvenience and can even lead to fines by the city if not mowed in ample time.
In addition, regular mower maintenance can help in prolonging its life. For example, changing oil and sharpening blades regularly.
Additionally, using gasoline without any ethanol may also help to reduce build up in the engine, ensuring the mower will run smoothly for years to come.
Hope these tips have answered the call for help!
However, if none of these tips work, hiring a landscaping professional may be an option.
